Archive for May, 2014

Well the Prologue of the Erzberg Rodeo is all done, with 1800 competitors blasting up to the top of the Iron Mountain to set qualifying times. - Rather surprisingly none of the favored riders are in the top 10 - But the big race goes tomorrow - you can check out video and updates, by clicking onto the Enduro 21 website. - There are as expected hordes of KTM’s in the line-up. but I was pleasantly surprised to see a ton of Betas also entered. - Cody Webb and Ben Hemmingway will likely be up at the sharp end when things go off with a bang - but with crazy speeds and trials type rock sections to get through, we could see some interesting results.

Of course we will be rooting for the two Cannucks who are riding - Shane Cuthbertson from Alberta and Cory Graffunder from Kamloops BC. -

=========================================>

Yesterday Matt stopped by to pick up his new Beta Evo 300 - tomorrow we will head down to Summerland for a “Break-in” ride - I will put some time on the new Factory Evo 300 - watch for pics on Sunday night.

=========================================>

Here’s a pic of Ross with his new Factory Replica - funny how the camera does funny things to the color on the bike - while the red Wulf jacket turns out perfect.

=======================================>

The weather in Italy was wet for the Moto GP Practice session at Mugello - but that didn’t seem to slow down Marc Marquez - the young Spanish Champion has proven to be almost unstoppable this year - his biggest threat, may come from veteran Valentino Rossi, who is now on the pace after returning to the Factory Yamaha.

=======================================>

Repsol Honda Team aims to regain leadership at the Italian GP

Alagna Valsesia will play host to the fourth race of the Trial World Championship, where Repsol Honda Team will be looking to clinch back top place on the leader-board.

The Italian Grand Prix marks the midway point in the World Championship, as Repsol Honda Team arrives in Alagna Valsesia in the hope of retaking the championship’s overall leadership, after having conceded it last week in the Corsica GP.

With very little in it and Toni Bou just two points off first place, getting back on top will be the clear goal of Team HRC at the end of what will be the seventh championship race, and the fourth so far this season.

After the rib injury picked up prior to the Japanese GP just over a month ago, Toni Bou is now fully recovered. The Montesa Cota 4RT rider is looking forward to being back in shape for Alagna Valsesia and will be hoping to continue with his usual winning form over the coming dates

================================================

And here’s the latest from the Isle of Man - courtesy Cycle News.

Photography courtesy Isle of Man TT
Michael Dunlop re-established himself as the favorite for Superbike TT by setting his personal best lap of the Isle of Man TT course today, the BMW rider lapping at 131.501 mph – just 1.3 seconds off the outright lap record.

Gary Johnson set the pace on the opening lap on his Superstock bike and he was the only rider to break the 130 mph barrier the first time around with a lap of 130.207 mph - although Guy Martin wasn’t far behind on his Superbike with 129.992 mph.

On the second lap Bruce Anstey went quickest at 130.642 mph on his Superbike with John McGuinness lapping at 129.790, which saw him end up fourth overall.

But Dunlop waited until the closing stages to really set the track alight as he ripped round the course at 131.501 mph to end the week at the top of the Superbike leaderboard and heads into tomorrow’s Dainese Superbike race as favorite for victory. Anstey remained in second overall with Guy Martin the third Superbike rider over 130 mph with a lap of 130.102 mph.

Cameron Donald had his best night of the week on the Norton with a speed of 123.095 mph with strong performances also coming from Jimmy Storrar (124.286), James Cowton (123.247) and Michael Sweeney (121.039).

Erzberg – Prologue Day One

The 20th edition of the Erzbergrodeo is finally rolling. After a long, long day of qualification – with 1800 competitors rattling up the mountain course Iron Road Prologue – the results are in.

Unofficially it’s Austrian Ossi Reisinger that sits on pole position for Sunday’s Red Bull Hare Scramble.USA’s Taylor Robert wasted no time in settling into his debut Erzberg ride and ripped his way up the mountain to set the third fastest time.He might be ‘retired’ but Juha Salminen was fourth quickest. He was hauling on his FC 450.Austrian Seppi Fally made it three Austrians in the top five.Of the big hitters, KTM’s Jonny Walker was sixth with David Knight chasing him hard for eighth.South African Wade Young had the bit between his teeth and was just behind Knighter in ninth with Andreas Lettenbichler rounding out the top ten.

Spain’s Alfredo Gomez fought his way to 30th with defending champ Graham Jarvis 32nd. That’s a front row start for Jarvis so no doubt he’ll be both pleased and relieved about that.

Dougie Lampkin was 43rd while a penalty for Paul Bolton knocked him back to 50th – but, hey, that’s still front row stuff.

Everyone gets a chance to improve tomorrow for the final day of prologue qualification.

Provisional Results

1. Ossi Reisinger

2 Walkner

3 Taylor Robert

4 Juha Salminen

5 Seppi Fally

6. Jonny Walker

7. Pöschl

8. David Knight

9 Wade Young

10 Andreas Lettenbichler

13 Phillip Scholz

30 Alfredo Gomez

32 Graham Jarvis

40 Tanaka Taichi

43 Dougie Lampkin

50 Paul Bolton

- See more at: http://enduro21.com/index.php/component/k2/item/1901-erzberg-%E2%80%93-prologue-day-one#sthash.5jkjjcbB.dpuf

Webb has won some of the biggest American Extreme off-road events and will be looking for a top finish at one of the World’s most famous Extreme Enduro’s

Beta USA’s Cody Webb is preparing to tackle one of the toughest races in the world this coming weekend (May 29 - June 1), the Red Bull Hare Scramble, in Erzberg, Austria. The Erzberg Rodeo is arguably one of the toughest single day off-road motorcycle events and requires riders to complete the course in four hours. Fewer than 20 of the 500 riders that start the event accomplish that. Webb is on a hot streak having won the first round of the GEICO EnduroCross series in Vegas a few weeks ago and he also won the 2014 King of the Motos and 2013 Tennessee Knockout events, so he is certainly capable of a top finish in Erzberg.

“I’m very excited to have my first attempt at Erzberg during the 20th annual celebration of the Iron Giant. Many riders are returning this year along with a large group of Americans.” The likes of Taylor Robert and Kyle Redmond will join Webb in Austria for this event along with Canada’s Cory Graffunder.

Webb goes on to say, “It will be a battle until the end and I hope I have a quick learning curve to figure out the best attack plan. I have faith in my 300 RR and physical conditioning to know that I can run near the top. This is a huge experience for myself and I can’t wait to see how I finish at this prestigious event.”

Check back with Cycle News for an update on the 2014 Erzberg Rodeo results.

=================================================>

As the article above relates - over 500 riders will be at the Erzberg event this weekend to ride enduro bikes in terrain more suited for Trials bikes. - The question is Why? - Motorcycle riders are funny - a long time ago in Alberta, I was out riding on a cold winter day in the snow West of Calgary with a bunch of buddies, when one bright guy said - I think we brought the wrong machines !! we should be on snowmobiles !! - choosing the right tool for the job would appear to be a “no brainer” - but they still do it.
So why would 500 riders pay big money to be at an event where the chances of them even finishing are slim? - back in the early days of Cross Country racing in Alberta, the Moose Mountain event, attracted an average of 150 riders, but only a handful ever finished, because it was simply that tough. - If you talk to any of the older riders, they will tell you horror stories of almost impossible hill-climbs and muskeg bogs that swallowed up bikes. - but they came back !!! - the question is WHY ?

I for one, have no idea what the answer is - However, I can tell you this - If we put on World Round style sections at our local Trials, the sport would be all done very quickly.

==========================================>

The World Trials Series moves to Italy this weekend, where Toni Bou will try to retake the lead from Adam Raga - the sections at World Trials are getting to be so big and dangerous that it’s no wonder that many top riders are dropping out of the sport. - there is little money in it for the majority of the riders, and it has become more of a circus than a Trial.

This may sound very harsh to some of our readers, but I really do think that it’s time for sanity to come back into Motorcycle sport, rather than just extreme events.

In my opinion, the very best Motorcycle Trial, is the Scottish Six Days - it’s been going on now for over a 100 years, and is sold out every year - obviously they are doing something right, especially when you consider that the entry list is mostly average club riders, who are tackling the same sections that World class riders are. - same line.

============================================>

In other news, the Isle of Man TT races are going next week, and in Moto GP the action will be in Italy this weekend, where young Marc Marquez will try to make it six wins in a row -

============================================>

FOOT-NOTE : - I’ve added more pics to the Outlaw Vintage Album - sent in by Michelle Colley - check them out.

===================================================>

UPDATE: Bill Sparks ( Beta) took the Expert win at the CPTA Trial last Sunday - it was perhaps fitting that Beta riders took 5 of the 6 main classes in the “Beta Trial”

The new fantastic Beta Evo Factory replicas are in !!! - Yesterday I delivered the first one to Ross up in the Shuswap, and here is the other one I managed to get, which will be ridden by Australian Sam King while he is over on vacation - we will try to get Sam to as many events as possible in both Alberta and BC.

As you can see the bike looks stunning, although I have to say the pics: really don’t do it justice. - I will take this one out at the weekend to break it in, and will report on how it performs on Monday. - ( Obviously these bikes are way over the old guys ability)

As you can see the factory bike comes with all new master cylinders, but retains the same levers, it also has a load of extra “goodies” to make this model very special.

=============================================>

Jordi is at it again, trying to build that elusive “Perfect” trials bike. - I must say that it’s great to have passionate people like him continue to promote the sport. - It’s too bad that the Brits have not made any effort to build a winner. - they certainly have the expertise, as almost all the Formula One cars are built in the UK. - but it all comes down to dollars & “Sense” - The Spaniards appear to be the only country with the government backing on small projects like this.

It’s “TT” time in the Isle of Man - and if you have never been over to watch this incredible event, you should put it on your “Bucket list” - You will be absolutely amazed.

Isle of Man TT: Accident And Bad Weather Shorten Session

By Cycle News Staff | 5/28/2014 2:41 PM

Today’s third qualifying session at the Isle of Man TT came to a premature end as just one was completed due to a combination of an accident at Barregarrow and bad weather moving through the area.

With a few spots of rain in the air around the 6 p.m., the session got underway at 6:25 p.m. with some riders opting for their 1000cc bikes and others playing it safe on their Supersport machines.

Conditions on the opening lap proved to be fairly good with Michael Dunlop first back past the Grandstand at 128.690 mph, just shy of his best lap set yesterday, while Guy Martin was also over 128 mph. William Dunlop was next up at 127.911 mph with Dean Harrison posting his personal best lap of the week so far at 126.521 mph. Michael Rutter, Ian Hutchinson and Dan Stewart were the only other three riders to break the 125 mph mark while Johnson was out of luck with mechanical woes at Douglas Road Corner.

Most riders opted to continue for a second lap but no sooner had they had done than the red flag was shown as a result of an incident that involved newcomer Laurent Hoffmann at the top of Barregarrow. Hoffman was airlifted to Nobles hospital where he was reported to have leg injuries and was undergoing further assessment.

As the incident was being cleared, the rain began to get heavier in the north of the island and the evening’s action was called off just after 7:30 p.m.

Here is the poster for the WTC Eastern Canadian Championship coming up next weekend in Quebec. - We wish all the riders the best & hope the weather stays pleasant.

=============================================>

Yesterday afternoon turned out to be busy for me, with a late trip to Kelowna to pick up Betas & then back at home I managed to get Ross Rathbone’s sparkly new Factory model all prepped & ready for delivery today.

==============================================>

Taff & Mark both called last night to chat about the Revy Trial - lots of people already planning to camp or stay at the Glacier House Resort. - Mark also mentioned what a great time he had at the Outlaw Scotch Creek event, saying how he thought the sections were “Spot on” - and of course the hospitality of the Shuswap group is getting to be almost legendary..

PLEASE CALL IF YOU CAN ACT AS A CHECKER FOR THE REVY TRIAL.

==============================================>

We need the room, so my 2013 Beta RR 250 with only a few hours on it is going for a VERY good price - comes with spare tank, pipe guard and alloy skid plate - call me if you want the best buy on the enduro market.

So here we are in the last week of May, and it’s bright and sunny in the Valley - while our focus has now moved to the WTC National at Revelstoke, we still have a busy week ahead, with new bikes coming in etc, and lots of other stuff to catch up on.

This is just one of the huge rocks up at the Revy location - while our WTC National will feature some quite spectacular sections for the Champ/Expert classes - the event will follow our usual tradition of “Fun” for everyone - we are not promoting a World Round.

===============================================>
Looking back at results from last weekend, I see that Tom Sagar (KTM) had a good ride at the British Enduro Championship, he managed a win on the second day, but it was still Danny McCanney (Beta) who scored the overall victory. - In fact it was a good weekend for the Italian factory, as Jonny Aubert took another win in Europe.

Of course this coming weekend will see all the hard core racers in Erzberg for the annual event up the Iron Mountain - Graham Jarvis (Husky) will be going head to head, with Taddy, Knighter, Walker, and Cody Webb (Beta) - plus you can never underestimate Dougie Lampkin. - Canada will be represented by Cory Graffunder who has been going well so far this year.

For Trials enthusiasts, the World circus moves to Italy - hopefully they will have a trouble free event, after the Corsica fiasco.

Now I have to take a short break and go into Town to get my van serviced - will post more news when I get back. >>

SSDT, 6 days on video

John Hird and Matt Betts were busy with their cameras during the SSDT 2014, including the quadcopter that gives stunning overhead and following views … follow the action day by day.

If you are a Scottish Six Day Trial fan like me, then you will want to click onto the Trial Magazine site and watch the great videos posted - brilliant footage - check it out.

==============================================>

MotoTrials: Pat Smage Wins National Opener In Colorado

By Shan Moore | 5/25/2014 7:36 PM

Texas Creek, Colorado (May 24-25, 2014) - The 2014 Aires AMA NATC MotoTrials US National Championship Series kicked off this past weekend with rounds one and two of its eight-round schedule at Texas Creek, Colorado, where Sherco USA’s Pat Smage took a pair of decisive wins over Gas Gas USA’s Martin Matejicek of the Czech Republic.

This is a pic I took yesterday up at Revelstoke where we now have a good idea of both the loop and sections for the upcoming WTC National - Matt and myself were joined by Florian and Chris Hrabb for our check out of the area, and with nearly all the trails already in place, there will be no need for any major work - the choice for sections for all classes, is stunning, but I’ve already got a good idea of what we will put in.

The plan is to start near the Glacier House Resort, with only a short ride or drive to the first sections - in fact this event will be very spectator friendly, with accommodation at the resort for both rooms, cabins or camping, however be sure to book ahead by calling 1-877-837-9594 - mention you are attending the WTC Trial in order to get special rates. ask for Daniel or Rachel.

WE DO NEED CHECKERS - PLEASE CONTACT ME TO GET ON THE LIST - EXPERIENCE IS AN ASSET BUT I WILL BE GIVING INSTRUCTIONS ON THE FRIDAY EVENING.

Just one of the possible Champ sections

==========================================

In other weekend news Adam Raga won the Corsica World Trial Fiasco - here is a report. (courtesy Trial Mag: UK)

Raga wins and moves to top of the general standings

Adam Raga – Gas Gas has moved to the top of the 2014 FIM Trial World Championship thanks to him securing his third win in succession, this time at the European GP in Corsica. Like on the second day of the previous round in Japan, Raga once again overturned an opening lap deficit to take a decisive and important victory in the title race. Back at full fitness after the injury he sustained to his rib prior to round two, it looked like it was business as usual for Toni Bou – Repsol Honda as he carved out an early lead at the end of lap one. However, mistakes in sections six and eight on the second lap by Bou put Raga in front, a position that he would not surrender as he produced two incredible closing laps to win by an impressive thirteen marks. Despite his errors Bou rode to a comfortable second place, as was the case for Albert Cabestany – Sherco who was an easy third on what was his two hundred and fiftieth GP start. Raga will take a slender two point lead in the general standings with him to Italy next Sunday.

There is an old saying - “Early to bed, early to rise, - makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise” - Well I was certainly in bed early last night, and I’m up on the keyboard at 3.45am - but I’m not sure about how I qualify. - Healthwise, I’m not doing too bad for my age, wealth is something that has never been a goal for me - but I also feel that wealth comes in other forms rather than just money or personal gain. - I feel that meeting wonderful people, sharing common goals with genuine friends, and living in a beautiful location,- plus being married to my lifelong sweetheart for 52 years, has made me a wealthy man. - as far as the “Wise” bit goes. I guess that’s all relative to opinion.

==============================================>
One reason I’m up early, is to try and catch the F1 race from Monaco on Speed vision, although I’m not too sure what time it will be on. -UPDATE : Race all over and another 1-2 for Mercedes, but Aussie Riccardo finished 3rd. -

In the meantime, here is the story from the World Round in Corsica yesterday - hopefully things will go smoother today. -I did watch an early morning video clip of one of the sections and to be honest it all looked very boring - difficult yes, but all the same type of sections - Up one rock face & down again then back up etc. - Also news that young Swedish rider Eddie Karlson broke his leg in a bad fall.
Watch for more news later, including a report on our visit to Revelstoke to check out things for the upcoming WTC National Trial.

=============================================>

Corsica hosts its first ever Trial GP

Today saw the small French island of Corsica host its first ever Trial GP. The competition marked the opening day of the third round of the 2014 FIM Trial World Championship, with another day of action on the isle planned for tomorrow.No riders were classified in the World Pro class, and thus no championship points were awarded in the leading category today. This unfortunate situation occurred when a decision was taken by the majority of World Pro riders early on the second lap of three, not to complete the course within the allotted time and in a manner that would eventually lead to their wholescale disqualification and therefore the null result.

Following tonight’s FIM jury meeting, modifications to several of the sections will be made overnight and tomorrow’s overall time allowance will be extended to ensure that the second day of competition can take place in its totality. In the other two classes today, it was business as usual with both the FIM World Cup and 125 Cup categories declaring a full set of results, which saw a full compliment of championship points being awarded.

Spain’s Jaime Busto – Beta was a convincing winner in the FIM World Cup division with his margin of victory being a clear twenty five marks as he showed his liking for the dry and grippy Spanish-like conditions. Last year’s FIM 125 Cup winner Quentin Carles de Caudemberg – Beta recorded his best result of the championship to date as he secured the runners up spot by a single mark. The French rider remains fifth in the series, but has now closed within two points of a top four position overall heading into tomorrow’s Trial.

125 cup podium

In similar fashion Oriol Noguera – Honda achieved his highest place finish in the 2014 campaign to date as he grabbed the last podium place. His third spot today, his previous best result being fifth on the opening day in Australia keeps him in seventh place in the general rankings, but now within touching distance of sixth ranked rider Kenny Thomas – Beta who finished just outside the top five today.

Germany’s Franz Kadlec – Beta, who currently holds second position in the championship table lost ground to his main title rival Busto today, when he could only manage fourth place to match his equal worst placing which was on the first day of the Japanese Grand Prix. Kadlec now trails his Spanish counterpart by eight points after starting the day just a single a point away from a share of the series lead. Matteo Poli – Ossa kept his place in the top four of the general standings as he recorded his second top five finish of the season to date.

It looks like France’s Gael Chatagno – Sherco is the clear favourite to be the winner of FIM 125 Trial Cup come the end of the year as he notched up his fifth straight win of the championship to date and once again in a devastating manner. Today his winning margin was a massive twenty-eight marks after the three laps of twelve sections that were conducted in searing heat. Switzerland’s Noe Pretalli – JTG finally managed to finish ahead of his close French rival Teo Colairo – Gas Gas to take his first runners up spot in 2014. Despite today’s turnaround Colairo remains a clear second in the series, fourteen in front of Pretalli, but still some seventeen points behind the dominant and unbeaten Chatagno.

Despite the unfortunate events of today, Corsica proved to be a fantastic new addition to the FIM Trial World Championship, with excellent organisation and facilities, incredible terrain and amazing hospitality, which all bodes well for tomorrow’s event.

Here is the top of the WTC Poster - to see the rest - click onto Trials Canada. www,trialscanada.com - Paul Throssell once again came up with a great design, and has been one of the unsung heroes in our Trials family for many years. - If you need any printing done, check out CS Printmaster in Kelowna at (250)491-4737.

Tomorrow Matt and myself will be heading to Revelstoke to take our first look this year, of the site and put the plan together. - Chris and Florian will also be meeting us there..

=============================================>

We have had a few phone calls and emails this week complementing the Team effort put in for our Outlaw Trial last weekend - Always nice to hear that people have a fun time at our events. - Ross and Martin can take a break now after putting in a ton of hours up on the hill at Scotch Creek.

=============================================>

The World Trial in Corsica is now underway, and we will be monitoring the scores as the day goes on - certainly a beautiful place to host a Trial, although most people go there to lay on the gorgeous beaches..

Corsica warm-up

Trial Magazine is in attendance in Corsica for this coming weekends World Championship round and has grabbed some exclusive images of the Championship riders during warm-up/practice for the event … see gallery below

Photo Credit – Trials Media

UPDATE : Sounds like the Corsica World Trial is Chaos - with most riders either out of time, - or stopped to protest.

The main Class has now been declared void - with only the Euro and Youth classes counting from today

Jaime Busto (Beta) won the Euro event with Carles De Caudemberg ( Beta) 2nd and Nogurea Oriol (Hon) 3rd while 4th went to Franz Kadlac (Beta)

====================================================>

The Monaco Grand Prix also goes this weekend - with the annual race around the houses in Monte-Carlo - both Hamilton and Alonso were quick in practice.

====================================================>

And over in the UK - The Super-bikes are at Donnington Park this weekend - here is the report courtesy Cycle News.

In one of the most riveting Superpole sessions in series history, Davide Giugliano proved to have nerves of steel in the rain and came through with a nail-biting lap that put the Italian and his Ducati on the pole for Sunday’s pair of World Superbike races.

We update the blog today, with the sad news that Steve Richardson’s brother Phil has been killed in a Tree Falling accident. Our condolences go out to Steve and his family.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
“The key is in life you get a few chances and you have to grab them. You also have to be lucky as well. But you have to believe in it and believe you will be lucky when it matters. That is why you can’t take risks every minute of your life. You need to decide when they are worth it

The quote and the picture is of Canadian Race-car Driver Jacques Villeneuve - son of the F1 driver Gilles, who was killed in a race many years ago. - The now older Villeneuve will race the Indy 500 on Sunday - the same race he won as a 19 year old way back when. - We wish him luck. (Note- both Villeneuves made their debut racing snowmobiles on short tracks)
==================================================>

While my blog usually tends to talk about the Trials World - Here is an article by Viccy Hett, which caught my attention - Viccy has spent some time with us learning Trials skills, and is a very nice young lady as well as being super fast on an enduro bike.

Over 20 years ago when I still thought my XR100 was a giant, my parents started cutting trail in Vernon and decided they would host a motorcycle race. The race was cheerfully named the “Squealing Pig Hare Scrambles”. Still today the race is one of the longest running and most enjoyed races of the season, & is now in the very capable hands of the PORC (Premier Off-Road Club). Saturday night is the infamous “Night Pig Hare Scrambles” which I very much enjoy racing however this Saturday would be different.

My brother Jordon who is also a racer, was getting married at his house just at the bottom of the gravel road. It was a small wedding in the backyard, and a very special moment for the family and especially for my Dad who is fighting cancer right now. I knew a few friends from the race site would be riding down the road to say hi after the ceremony but I never could have suspected what actually happened. After hearing that Dad had made it to the wedding, everyone wanted the chance to come and see him and show their love to him & our family. Just after the ceremony at 2:15 pm I heard what sounded like a giant swarm of bee’s coming down the road. I opened the gates to the backyard and close to 50 friends from the race site filed in on their dirt bikes making a parade lap around the yard before coming to stop just next to the wedding tents. In a large group everyone revved their bikes together in big congratulations to my brother as he held his hands up cheering back at them! My Dad watched from a distance, emotionally touched along with the rest of us. After shaking my brother’s hand and hugging my dad everyone left just as quickly as they had come and rode back up the mountain for the night race.

Above: Jordon cheering everyone on as they revved up their bikes at the backyard wedding down the road from the race!

That night I didn’t race, I visited with family and stepped in as my brother’s chauffeur and tried to go to bed early to prepare for the race on Sunday. The next morning despite how difficult it was on my Dad to make the drive in his condition, him and my Mom arrived just in time for some quick hello’s and to listen in on the riders meeting. My Dad was honored when the organizers asked him if he would please start the Masters (Pro Class) to get the race underway just as he had many years ago.

Above: Dad ready to start the race with Mom by his side

Above: Giving each other a bad time on the starting line is a great way to settle the pre-race jitters!

I lined up in the expert class just behind the Masters class who were the first wave of racers. I watched my Dad with the help of my Mom, precarious crutch through the field to the starting area. Dad raised the rifle into the air and shot off a round that echoed through the valley and the first wave of racers thundered away from the starting line beginning the 3+ hour race once again. My start was next and as I watched my parents from the starting line I handed my bike off and ran to my Dad to give him a big hug. I told him I loved him and then I returned to the starting line and a few seconds later the expert class was off and running. I was fourth off the start and 100% focused as I raced through the grass track before heading off into the forest for what would be two laps of the 50 kilometer course.

Above: The expert class starting line, I’m the only one in pink gear!

I had a great gas check at the half way mark, my boyfriend Tom and brother Malcolm had me fueled up and fitted with new goggles in no time and I was off again to complete my second and final lap of the course. After 3 hours and 15 minutes total, I came into the finish and was greeted by friends and family who announced to my great delight that I had finished in 2nd place not far behind the 1st place rider. This was my best finish in my racing career in my eyes, because although I have won the men’s intermediate class several times, getting 2nd in the more competitive Expert division trumps all of those wins. I couldn’t wait to get back to the trailer and call my Dad & Mom. When I told them the news they were so excited & very proud, and of course they both wished they could have stayed and been there longer. This May long weekend is one that I will never forget and one that I will talk about for a long time to come. I’d like to thank everyone who made this weekend so special and helped me and my family have such a wonderful weekend.

Wednesday was spent checking and finalizing the scores from last weekend - posting more videos on facebook - and then in the afternoon, I unloaded my van !! - that’s always fun, after a long weekend. - then it was off to the car wash, as the Beta was plastered with mud after many tours of the Scotch Creek loops. - Although I’m always very careful when using these high pressure units - only have it on low and keep the water away from wheel bearings and fan motors etc.

Dibs & Dabs.

We missed a few familiar faces at the Outlaw - some of our riders are either unwell, have family problems or as in Dave Fairs case - recovering from hip surgery, - just wanted to say that we hope to see all you regulars back again next year.

———————————————————————
It was rewarding to see how the kids all banded together with Marianne and other Mom’s to pick their own sections for the Saturday night Trial. - they all had a fun time.

———————————————————————
We did have a number of riders, competing for the very first time, in fact one young lad had only had his bike for a week before the event - he did just fine and showed a lot of natural talent under the guiding hands of Martin, and his Dad.

——————————————————————–

It was great to see Steve Day once again - I don’t think Steve has missed a single Outlaw Trial since we started back in 1987 - quite a record.

Also good to see Chris Tronnes out again, and really enjoying himself - I saw him grab a brilliant clean on the advanced line of the waterfall section. - We had a great turn out from the ATRA.

Anybody wanting a copy of the complete results - please email me : ( I have sent to Trials Canada and to the ATRA)

UPDATE: - Full size pics available Free - just email me - if used in other publications or websites please give me a photo-credit.

So as we turn the page on yet another Outlaw Trial - we look forward to working on the WTC Western Canadian National in Revelstoke at the end of June..- And if time permits a quick trip to the ATRA Trial at Falun.
================================================>

Can Raga continue his winning run?

All eyes will be on the small French island of Corsica this coming weekend as the 2014 FIM Trial World Championship kicks back into life after nearly a month’s break, and the main question will be can Adam Raga – Gas Gas continue his winning run following his back to back victories at the last round in Japan. Raga’s recent double success means that he returns to Europe trailing championship favourite Toni Bou – Repsol Honda by just one point, after the reigning champion struggled for fitness in Honda’s back yard. Bou was below par in Motegi as he rode with a cracked rib sustained during a training accident, and did a great damage limitation job to finish as runner-up to Adam on both days of the Japanese GP.

Bou will have missed out on some training time whilst he has waited for his injury to heal over the last four weeks, but whilst potentially bike rusty he will be eager and hungry to return to his more familiar winning ways. Another rider who had to contend with injury woes at the previous round was Takahisa Fujinami – Repsol Honda who placed third and fourth over the two days of action at his home GP despite aggravating the knee that he damaged late last year. The Japanese rider has used the downtime between rounds to get his injured joint back in shape and will once again be looking to challenge for podium finishes in Corsica.

===========================================>

Meanwhile South of the border, Beta Enduro riders continue to challenge for the podium in both Enduro and Hare Scrambles Competition - Here’s a neat shot from the desert. (Thanks to Beta USA)